What is the career outlook for Sonographers?

As a Sonographer, will I be exposed to needles and/or bodily fluids?

Yes, a Sonographer is involved in direct patient care which sometimes involves dealing with patient IV’s, catheters, drainage tubes, colostomy bags, etc. There are certain sonography procedures that require fluid aspirations, contrast injections, biopsies, and tube placements. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, voiding, fainting, and cardiac arrest during a procedure. The Sonographer must be skilled in dealing with these conditions professionally when the patient is in the Sonographer’s care.

Proof of Hepatitis B vaccine (three dose series), proof of positive titer. This is a 4 - 6 month process and must be completed prior to the Fall semester.

Consideration for credit for medical work experience requires submission of training certificate, transcripts, and a resume with references.

When can I apply?

Applications for admission will be accepted beginning the first business day in December through the last business day of February each year.

What college physics class is required for the prerequisite?

PHYS 1401 or PHYS 1415.

How long is the Sonography Program?

The Sonography Program lasts five semesters, or 22 months. It is a full-time program, Monday - Friday. Between classes and clinical, you will attend 5 days per week.

Can I work while I am a student in the program?

Working during the program is highly discouraged. The program is academically intense and the amount of time a Sonography student must spend in the program and studying is significant. You should plan ahead for your financial situation. The amount of absences allowed are very low. It is also very important to have reliable and dependable transportation to and from clinicals.

What kind of schedule/hours can I expect to attend while in the program?

The Sonography Program lasts five semesters, or 22 months. It is a full-time program, Monday - Friday. Between classes and clinical, you will attend 5 days per week.

Can I complete the program on a part-time basis?

No, the Sonography Program is a full-time program offered during weekday, daytime hours.

Can I take classes in the evening?

No, the Sonography Program is a full-time program offered during weekday, daytime hours.

Is the program accredited?

The Weatherford College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

How many students are accepted in the program?

The goal for the program is to accept 15 students per year. This number may change depending on the availability of clinical sites for the program.

If I am an x-ray technologist or have an advanced degree, is there an accelerated plan for me to enter the program?

Currently, there is not an accelerated degree plan offered. You must meet all of the application criteria to be selected for the program, and attend the entire program as offered. We may, however, accept the physics courses for your program in lieu of our physics prerequisite. Please consult with the Program Director.

Is there a waiting list for the program if I do not get accepted?

No, applicants are ranked within the pool for the year of application. If they do not get accepted and still wish to attend, they must reapply and meet all criteria the following year. They will however, receive points (with a cap) for reapplying. For further information, please contact the Program Director or Administrative Assistant

Can I submit letters of recommendation?

No, letters of recommendation, resumes, etc. are not accepted.

Can I apply if I have not completed my prerequisites?

Currently, you may still apply if you have completed all prerequisites or can provide proof that you are enrolled in the final prerequisite courses at the time of application; however, you may only be considered for alternate status. If you are accepted, it will be contingent on your completing the courses with a grade of “C” or higher. You will be assigned a grade of “C” for applicant ranking purposes. Please be aware that this policy may change in the future.

What is the minimum number of points I need to get admitted into the program?

There is no way to predict this number, because the applicant pool is different each year.

Questions about the Echocardiography Certificate Program

What is the Echocardiography Certificate?

The Echocardiography Certificate is a two semester, 24 credit hour program offered to provide graduates an opportunity to learn echocardiography. Admission is by selection only. Application to the program does not guarantee admission to the Echocardiography Certificate Program. The number of students admitted to this program is limited. Students admitted to the Echocardiography Certificate Program are selected on the basis of admission to the college, reading, writing, and math level, prior educational achievement, and health status. For specific application information and deadlines, contact the Sonography Program Director or the academic counselor.

Can I apply for the Echocardiography Certificate Program?

This course is offered to graduates of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or credentialed sonographers who are interested in advanced training in echocardiography.